Eastern Illinois has released its cross country schedule for the upcoming 2026 season starting with the season opening EIU Walt Crawford Open at the Tom Woodall Panther Trail.
 
The season opening annual meet will kick off the 2026 campaign for the Panthers men's and women's programs on Friday, September 4th. 
 
EIU will then compete every other week through the remainder of the regular and post-season with this year's NCAA Midwest Regional hosted by Iowa State on Friday, November 13.
 
Following the EIU Walt Crawford, the Panthers travel to the Illinois State Redbird Invite on Friday, Sept. 18.
 
Two regular season meets take place in October before the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Championships on Friday, Oct. 30 hosted by Southeast Missouri in Cape Girardeau.
 
EIU will take part in the Indiana State Nike XC Town Twilight on Friday, October 2 and then the Bradley Pink Classic on Friday October 16.